Steve Carly & Andie Brooke

Christmas 2008

2008-12-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

Love, The Anderson Family

Andie's Christmas Dress

She is trying to tell me that she is ready for her presents...

FINALLY facing forward, although not quite 20 lbs? Any ideas for this skinny minnie?

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-14T22:30:00.001-08:00

a great gran get together...

2008-11-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

We love getting the little cousins together. The older they get the more fun it is too! Pictures are always a must, thanks Gram-we love LOVE you!

Brecklynn, Tyson, "Great" Gran, Andie and Jackson

Brecklynn and Andie already having drama.

Favorite Cousins. They hit, they kiss, they find joy when they see each other. They "vroom, vroom" together and growl well together. We LOVE Jackson's elephant noise. Happy Birthday to you, Jackson, this week!

Saturday is a SPECIAL day...

A pep talk for the parties ahead! Our new purchase today, a must have so that daddy will spend time with us on Saturdays. He figures if I don't have plans made then he'd rather work, golf or ride dirt bikes sooo....see you on the trails!!! We will put this to good use.

Halloween...not too spooky

2008-11-07T21:39:00.000-08:00

Springville Main Street
Shayla and I thought we'd get some treats for ourselves, or so it appeared...

The night before Halloween, I was reading Andie our favorite book Fancy Nancy. PERFECT!! So, the pics of her tinkerbell, not so great. BUT Fancy Andie is where it was at! I just whipped together some things from around the house and waalaaa! Super silly. Steve and I were her parents that she tried to make "fancy".

Sooo super cute.

Ward Halloween Party

Steve was such a great doughnut eater. He won. The cake walk, Steve's number was first, then mine was called second. It wasn't just a cupcake we won, it was a plate of cupcakes, each.

So really, I think this was mostly for Steve's mom. She is fancy and I love her for it. She got a kick out of it and we didn't even have to tell her who we were dressed as. I would say our outfits were a little thrown together. It was fun.

A great party thrown by Kevin and Natalie. The lights were off when we pulled up so we were a little confused but oh it was staged, not to worry. She decorated her house so well! It was spooky! The music, strobe lights, wet goobers hanging from the ceiling, candles, spider webs...she nailed it! Good times with good friends, and as always, thanks to the fabulous babysitters. Much appreciated.

A little of Steve...

2008-11-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Man-A-Thon

A weekend when the boys try to prove themselves to be men.

Shooting, Mountain Dew Chugs, Boulder Toss...you know, manly stuff?!

Steve reluctantly handing over last year's first place award to the new man of the year, Kevin Stewart.

Andie helping her daddy get ready for the sand dunes! The best part is that when this happens, I get a day off!
A little warm up before his trip. This is Steve's parents backyard and the boys love it. You wonder about teenage boys and how undeveloped their little brains are. I call this stupid, on Steve's part (aka "man of the year 2007"), but especially rediculous of the boys who risked their lives and were crazy enough to trust Steve.

Finding Meaning...

2008-11-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Fall Enrichment- Journal Entry

( I am so grateful for journaling! If I hadn't done this a couple weeks ago, I would have completely forgotten about this great night and just continued on in my "martha" (aka BUSY) life)

October 17, 2008

"An Inspiring Event"

I was so lucky last night! We had our fall enrichment which turned out so lovely and Jenet Jacob, our guest speaker, was just amazing. The topic was "finding meaning in the mundane". Yes, this motherhood/womanhood roll that I live. A few points that really stuck out to me-

1. Being a mom is a SHORT speckle of time compared to the premortal, mortal and eternal time I have to be creative, talented and work on my hobbies (for example- sewing, cooking, excercising, callings, scrapbooking, blogging..blah..etc.). My children will be here for 18 years each and thats all I will have to really teach, love, nourish, play and all that is longed for in being a mother. I need to put all of those other cares aside and really "focus" on this glimpse I call being a mom. Each day might be forever long but shortly I will look back and just wish, wish all that time didn't sneak away so quickly.

Story: Jenet's sister has 6 children. Picture this. Get the older ones up to the breakfast table and rush the others to the bathtub. Loud screams errupt from the kitchen so mom runs to find spilled milk everywhere, she rushes to grab towels and hears bloody screaming from the bathroom...oh, not to mention, she is 9 months prego-ready to POP...she heads back to the bathroom realizing that the LITTLE ones were left in the bath. Right then, a sweet toddler comes toddling towards her with poop coming from the mouth. She races the child back to the bathtub and come to find out the other is smearing the stuff all over the bathtub...PLUS...more milk spills. She raises her arms in the air and shouts, "I have a Masters Degree!"

We all had a great laugh. I plan on 6 children myself (I think) and oh, that scares me a little!

2. Being on the same level as a family. When we work together-dishes, cleaning, yard work, laundry, etc. the levels of hierarchy disappear. Walls come down and the simple mundane tasks are so easy to accomplish because they take little to no brain power. That is prime opportunity to really open up and communicate with one another.

Story: Jake wants a sleepover with Lily, both age 7. At the dinner table he announces his plans and is quickly turned down by his parents, "We don't do that in our family." His feelings were instantly hurt and he didn't talk much after that. It wasn't until his mother saw a great opportunity that she pulled up a chair along side her at the sink and invited him to help her do the dishes. His one on one time with his mom let him find the confidence to ask her why. It was a perfect time for this mom to teach with love and compassion as they found themselves on the same level serving one another!

3. Being a mom is so special! Picture strings attached between a mother and child's hearts and as I care for and love, nourish, teach, etc. the strength that those bands (bonds) will have. I need to focus on really letting Andie (and the rest) "know who there mommy is". My strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, actions...they want nothing more than to know their mom. (and DADs, they are not off the hook!) The bedtime stories they will want to hear will be about my childhood-now if I could only remember! I am so grateful!

What an inspiring night. I am glad I could hear her again. I had the priveledge last spring to hear her speak at our stake RS enrichment and was the only one from my ward in her class. I knew that others would love to hear her so I invited her to speak at this fall enrichment. I posted this just hoping that there were more out there that this could touch. Finding the real meaning of the craziness that we all take part in each day. My comment about being a "Martha" earlier was in regards to the story of Mary and Martha in Luke. Just a note on that. Mary knelt at Christ's feet and Martha was so busy hurrying about with her daily woes that even in her mundane she found frustration with Mary's "lack of" and complained to Christ. All he could say was "Martha, Martha". What Martha was doing was okay, as she had a lot on her plate, but what Mary was doing was not necessarily the better part but hath chosen the "good part". Priorities are so important in our lives. If we will just always make the "good part" be a top priority, things will all take their right places and we will find order and peace in our lives. Especially this season, I hope that as we take on the craziness we will first remember who has made this all possible and put him first on our daily tasks (whether it be studying, praying, serving), then our children to be taken care of and they will be if we keep it all in line.

I know what I do each day has meaning, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Blankets for Sale??

2008-10-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

I am trying to decide, should I do it or not? These are some that I have made so far...

Season Ender...

2008-10-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

It is probably a good thing that the season is over because it got a little chilly for this little one...PS...forgot to note before that she is walking and has been for a week now! Sooo fun!

Quiet Book, Continued.

2008-10-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Zip the tent! The end.

If anyone decides to take this on... I am happy to answer any questions. One suggestion- make it BEFORE you have a child.

Quiet Book

2008-10-02T21:05:00.001-07:00

Oh, how I can't wait for church next Sunday!

I hope this works! As promised before, I am sharing my talents with anyone who wants to see... I got alot of the ideas off of other blogs, so I did copy, this is not original! It was ALOT of work but I know it will be well worth every minute. Happy birthday present Andie, I love you.

Noah's Ark has finger puppets in a pocket, I also have memory animal cards to put in there for older children as a quiet game.

Weave felt strips together and add a ribbon for a handle to make this picnic basket. Includes a placemat, plate, fork, spoon and knife for children to become familiar with how to set a table. Button and bow for added detail to close.

Flower vase has felt flowers with button holes sewn in center of each flower. Same colored button is attached to page for matching to make a bouquet.

A few of the self explanatory pages:

Rain jacket. Help button coat to go out in the rain.

I added a few pages with zipper pockets for different items, pipe cleaners are great for little imaginations, a mirror and beads for a little princess- I will also add a comb, lipstick, etc. I have the numbers for matching in one of the pockets.

Stop light has felt circles to create a street light and the road is for driving a matchbox car on.

Little miss will LOVE braiding these pigtails! I just sewed some embroidery floss under a beanie.

A piggy bank to practice tithing and saving.

The BIG #1

2008-10-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Andie!

What a day it was...and her party was ALOT of fun! She got a lot of great presents, did the cake thing and sported her super cute bib from Grandma Anderson. It was beautiful weather and the food turned out. These are a few of the details that were a part of

her big day:

Good Morning Birthday Girl!!

Invitation

The added bow on her crown was a "quick fix" due to her ripping it a little while before the party was to start. Some tape, a clippy and some ribbon will always do the job. The favors were caramel apples or vanilla popcorn with m&m candies. You wonder...no cake?? Oh, there was! It was a 2 layer, chocolate, chocolate...but you guessed it, on the first turn of transport, it went down! Luckily, I made 1 1/2 cakes so we just switched out the top layer and "wa laa!" I guess I will add a pic just to show that it was there.

Her presents were all so fun! She got clothes, shoes, jackets, books, a piano, puzzles, a 4 wheeler, toys, some $ and the best was a one dollar coin for her first birthday (from Great Grandma). Clever, I thought...we'll scrapbook it.

Andie and Sarah, so super cute!

Jackson cheering Andie on..

Andie having her cake, and eating it too!

She started off with just picking at it with her 2 fingers, "testing" is what we call it. It passed.

Hooray for a great day, it was as much a celebration for Steve and I making it through the first year as it was for the birthday girl, what an exciting time!

California

2008-09-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Andie's first visit to California...

One of the homes that Steve has been on in the last year has some pretty great homeowners. They have fallen in love with Steve and it has been so good for him to work with them. He wore his Dodgers hat a few months back and Carol was so anxious to find out about his love for the team. She offered their 3rd base dugout tickets and who could pass those up! Thanks to another hook up, Karen had a buy one get one free delta pass so for our 4th anniversary we figured it would be best to go to California, yet again! It is always great to visit family, go to the beach (this time we did Malibu), eat in'n'out almost every meal, and the best part for me, of course, is the fabric and fashion district in downtown LA. Steve is a great sport and supports my mad desires to always go there. Thanks to G and G Hatch for opening their beautiful home and letting us come and go. What a peaceful place to be. Good vacation...I mean...get away...no, I don't know what I mean-we took Andie with us! It will be amazing the day we go on a vacation without our children. I wonder what it will feel like? She is a great traveler and she did
a great job, but it is just not the same! I'll look forward to that day.
We've already decided that our 6th anniversary will be a BIG one so whoever wants to join (that is if we cruise), let me know! I hear cruises are more fun with a group. Anyway, back to California, it was a good time.

When we got back, we went straight to Anderson's and stayed with Steve's brothers and sister for the week. It was alot of fun...the best part: I finished Andie's quiet book! I am giving it to her on her 1st b-day (in 2 days!!) so pics have to wait a little while longer. That was by far the BEST part! I think the kids are such awesome kids though, no worries, they get along, they do their jobs, they play with Andie! Jeff and Karen are good parents. We were happy to help and will do it anytime.

Utah State Fair

2008-09-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

The little farm at the fair was THE CUTEST thing that I have ever seen for kids. It took each one of them through many stages of farming, milking cows, sheering sheep, planting a garden, taking items to market, how the items are bought in a general store, etc. Nice work Utah State Fair!
Andie is starting to have fun when we go out, she is really catching on! It is such a blessing to have friends, thanks you guys-

2008-09-06T08:02:00.000-07:00

Cloward Family Baseball

Jackson only likes the secrets that Andie tells him...

"My dad is better than your dad", and then he smiles-

Andie and her Grandpa Rick
I really don't think that any of the games are watched when the girls gather for these weekly events. Greg gets lucky because he has his 3 special fans that, when he runs past, scream, "daddy, daddy, daddy"!!! Very cute. I know Steve looks forward to that attention.I think that Greg enjoys it so much that he just keeps running This week was extra special because Grandma Karen came to watch Steve play..Andie really got excited when she saw her walk up! Very cute to see, she is growing up so fast!

Chris, Craig, Steve, Cory and Cade

They are a great team, some of the plays that take place on the infield are amazing...

Cade is a homerun hitter.
They get quality time together...I hope they don't talk about work.
Kelli, Ellery, Beaux, Sloane and Indi
If I saw this man carrying my baby around and didn't know who he was, I would assume that he was taking her and never bringing her back. This is a first for Craig, it must be hunting season.
To a WINNING team, take it ALL!

Summer fun

2008-09-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Good times...

Cory's little family, JoAnna and Jackson

Andie
Omniture Party 2008
Aunt Sarah and Uncle Brad

Lake Powell

Steve and his brothers
and some more brothers...and Sarah.
I was resenting the fact that Steve's dad was going on a scenic detour while I was anxious to get home from Lake Powell. We went through Cedar Canyon by Brian Head and this is really what is hiding up there. AMAZING! Thanks Jeff, we really enjoyed the whole week.

Campout

2008-09-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Lakeview 4th Ward Campout

He asks, "Another one of these campouts?"

Notice Jared and Heather in the background having WAY TOO MUCH fun.

We really did have a great time, well, that is until everyone went to bed. If only I had a picture of what Andie and I did all night long in Steve's truck. I must rethink the whole camping experience if it ever comes up again.

This might give you an idea, we hadn't even began the trip home and this is what I found...

2008-09-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Andie's New Ride

I got this for her to practice walking. Instead, she now lifts the seat and climbs in the storage, uses it for a step to climb on the couch and runs the sirens non-stop...the batteries are already needing replacement. No rest in our house after 6:45 a.m.

2008-08-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Amy, thanks for the cute picture...and yes, we are blogging.

Our Summer is Coming to an End...

2008-08-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

AUGUST 2008

This month has been so fun! Very, very busy. Steve has started doing his real estate with Raph and is enjoying the new adventure. In addition, he loves manual labor, his company is Revolution Builders, and he continues to accept side jobs (he does basements, decks, remodels, finish work, etc.) so that keeps him even more busy, oh, not to mention that he keeps waking up at 5:00am to go to the gym. He is playing on a softball team with my brothers, CBC Construction (Cory's business), on Wednesday nights and that is just one more thing to add to the list! The final activity that keeps him most busy is his Young Men. He has such a good time taking them to nickelcade and to get ice cream, camping, fishing, hiking, playing volleyball, paint balling, golfing...I think his boys are a little spoiled to do whatever they feel like doing once a week. They did do a service project, I think that they pulled weeds at the church and planted flowers. I am so grateful that he has the opportunity to be an example to these boys and be their friend. It is good for him.

The day his Real Estate License finally came in the mail, a good day...

Steve, Carl, Mike and Curtis on their way to hike Timpanogos

Andie Brooke is growing oh so fast. This week in Lake Powell she started taking steps from person to person. I am glad that everyone was so nice to her and she felt comfortable going to each of them. She loves to call out to "mama and dada" allll the time and the best is one night at dinner we were standing in the kitchen together with our arms folded and without ever even thinking that she was ready to learn to fold her arms she surprised us. We were so excited to see that she was learning by example and our efforts were paying off.

Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point

Another Firework Show with DaddyLake Powell

Andie and Cousin Jeffry

I am just a busy mom. I am excited to start blogging, it was hard deciding to get started and when to find the time but I think I have it figured out enough that it shouldn't be too time consuming. I am the Enrichment Counselor in Relief Society so I will be posting alot of pics and ideas of what we do for our midweek, small group and enrichment nights. It will be a busy calling but is going to be so fun!

AND... I am always up for ideas for activities.

Midweek at Thanksgiving Point

While in Lake Powell all the ladies on the boat had books and it really got me thinking...I might also add that to my list of things to do each week. I would only like to read things that will help better my life but I need to start reading so any suggestions of good books (other than twilight or harry potter) would be so appreciated!

Instead of reading, I found myself doing this...

I really got to think alot down there and the other thing that I am sooo excited to do is make a very cute quiet book for Andie. We have been working on quiet time so that sacrament meeting is a good experience and I am just wanting some more things to keep her little mind going. Any ideas or tips? I've found some great ideas online and just was wondering if anyone had some from personal experience.

2008-08-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

A little 4th of July fun! We woke up early to do the balloons, breakfast and the parade.

We spent the evening with Steve's family, a bbq and fireworks, then raced home to watch the Stadium of Fire fireworks that night.

BIG DAY...we love the 4th of July!

Happy Anniversary Stevey-4 years ago today-thanks for asking me to marry you...

Andie and her Great Grandpa Anderson

July was such a fun month! We love the sun, pools, camping, FIREWORKS, ballgames...

I can't believe that I have NEVER floated the Provo River.

That was a very relaxing way to spend the 24th with our famly.

Later that night we went to an Owlz game with our friends, Mike and Joni,
and enjoyed some good old baseball and fireworks.

Some favorites of Andie

2008-08-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Andie's first firework show, Orem's Summerfest 2008

Are we at the zoo? She had no idea that one day she will LOVE going there.

"Is this all I get, a silly hat?" She was so anxious to try that double double...maybe next time.

Just her size! The Salo Family rescued this fawn from G & G Anderson's backyard and kept it for a pet. Spending time with daddy at Sundance.

2008-08-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

You thought this was Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus...Look closer!

Our family was able to play a part in the most amazing live Nativity you could

imagine Christmas 2007. If you need an idea for FHE the first week of December, let me know and I will get you the address. Something you will never forget.

2008-08-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

Andie's baby blessing, November 4, 2007

Steve's Family: Micheal, Bradford, Sarah, Grandma Anderson, Grandpa Anderson, Jeff, Karen, Steve, Carly, Andie, Brian, Jessica and Reid.

We are so grateful for our families, their love and all of their support.

Cloward Family

2008-08-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

This is our family, Carly's side of the fam. Craig and Kelli got married in January 2008 in the Salt Lake Temple. Chris and Liz were married in February 2008 and Cory and JoAnna had Jackson Riley in November 2007. We've grown very quickly in such a very short amount of time!

2008-08-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome Andie Brooke Anderson!!

Hospital Picture

2008-08-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

Andie joined us on October 1st, 2007 and has been so much fun since the day she came...we LOVE her!!

Our first family picture

2008-08-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

October 1st, 2007

2008-08-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

We finally made it!!

2008-07-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

After 2 attempts both not working out, I decided it was not worth my time! But thank you to all who have such cute families, pictures and stories, I just couldn't stay away... so I am joining...and I WILL NOT DELETE this one. Here we go...wish me luck.